Wow..it has been awhile.

So I have been working on a choreography that Suhaila taught at the January Multi level this year. I was getting a little frustrated because I could not remember what the written choreography meant. So of course I was just making something up. I did have a video of some of the other workshop participants running through it before we left..but I still couldn't quite get what the moves were..

Then..I come to find out there is a recording of that choreography that SSSBD posted on youtube! It is Suhaila and Isabella performing at Spring Caravan. I could not believe my luck! I started to play it an my almost 3 year old daughters says..Mommy they are doing a dance to your favorite song! It has been a great help and it is so much fun to watch Suhaila perform the piece.

This will be my first Suhaila choreography that I will perform. I have been talking about her format to any dancer that will listen. I have continued to perform as I work toward my level 2 certification. I feel a little like I am in a half way point. I can't yet use the format to perform, but as part of a troupe and wanting to continue to part of the belly dance community I find myself still saying yes to performing.

I remember in the multi level I last attended that someone asked about choreography, something about advice on choreography. It did not seem as if Suhaila had any advice for how to be a better choreographer..as she just sees it in her head..it just comes to her. She said that other dancers have choreographers..why not belly dancers? Why feel the pressure to learn the art of the dance..and then also try to choreography so quickly. The gal asking the question then said something about how it is looked down upon, in her dance community, to use someone else's choreography. I don't know if it is really that way here..or if I just feel it is that way here. But, I have decided to start using Suhaila's choreography to perform. I do find that I am constantly learning when I work on her choreography. I don't want to just dance the "steps" I know anymore. I want to push myself with each choreography I learn and perform. I want to get better! I always thought I wanted to wow the audience and other dancers..but honestly I want to wow myself. I want to know I am using Suhaila's format to dance.

I feel so lucky to have made this decision and know this format will take me further in my dance that I thought possible.